MLB News

Ex-All-Star Perez suspended for 50 games

Mets Minor League right-hander Bernard also receives 50-game ban

By
Joey NowakMLB.com

Two Minor Leaguers, including former Major League closer Chris Perez, have been suspended by Major League Baseball for their second positive drug test under the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Perez, a 2011 and '12 All-Star with the Indians who last pitched in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers in '14 and signed two free-agent deals with the Brewers this season, received a 50-game suspension without pay after a second positive test "for a drug of abuse in violation of the program."

Two Minor Leaguers, including former Major League closer Chris Perez, have been suspended by Major League Baseball for their second positive drug test under the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Perez, a 2011 and '12 All-Star with the Indians who last pitched in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers in '14 and signed two free-agent deals with the Brewers this season, received a 50-game suspension without pay after a second positive test "for a drug of abuse in violation of the program."

Perez is considered a Minor League free agent, so his suspension would go into effect if/when he signs with another Major League organization.

Mets Minor League right-hander Derrick Bernard was also suspended 50 games without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse.

Bernard is currently on the roster of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Mets, and he is already serving a 62-game suspension for testing positive for a steroid last season. His 50-game suspension will kick in upon the completion of the prior suspension.